Hyundai rejects carbon credit deals in Europe EV push

  vor 9 Monaten

The yuan has jumped to 6.91 per dollar, its strongest level since May 2023. This marks seven straight months of gains, the longest winning streak since 2020–2021. Since the start of 2025, the yuan is up 5%, making it the third-best performing Asian currency since September. And it’s not by luck. China’s financial authorities are behind it, pushing banks to cut their U.S. Treasury buying and reduce exposure if they’ve loaded up too much. This sudden pullback in dollar demand is driving the rally. At the same time, the dollar is falling apart, making it easier for the yuan to shine. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index has dropped 1.7% this year, after plunging 8% in 2025. That was the worst yearly showing for the dollar since 2017. Traders expect this trend to continue, especially if the Federal Reserve slashes rates deeper than markets are pricing in. Fed rate cuts and Trump pressure weigh on the dollar According to State Street strategist Lee Ferridge, the dollar could lose another 10% this year if the Fed turns more aggressive. He says a third rate cut in 2026 is “possible,” not just because of economic data, but because of the pressure that President Donald Trump might put on whoever replaces Jerome Powell as Fed Chair. Ferridge told reporters at the TradeTech FX conference in Miami, “Two is a reasonable base case, but we have to accept we are going into a more uncertain period of Fed policy.” He also said if Trump pushes for cheaper borrowing, that could accelerate dollar weakness even further. The first cut is expected around June, with most traders betting on two quarter-point reductions by the end of 2026. But if the new Fed Chair bows to White House pressure, a third could be on the table. On top of that, Ferridge added that deeper cuts lower hedging costs for foreigners investing in the U.S., which would hurt the dollar more as they hedge aggressively. Ferridge did say the dollar might briefly bounce back 2%-3% if U.S. data surprises on the upside. But so far, momentum is still sliding. And as the dollar dips, the yuan keeps gaining ground. Beijing cracks down on crypto to protect the yuan China isn’t just pushing banks behind closed doors. Regulators just banned unapproved yuan-pegged stablecoins and tokenized risk-weighted assets, both from inside and outside the country. On February 6, the People’s Bank of China, along with several agencies, issued a statement warning that these crypto products could threaten the yuan’s stability if left unregulated. The ban includes a full stop on businesses using words like “stablecoin,” “RWA,” or “cryptocurrency” in their names or scope. This is about pushing the adoption of the e-CNY, China’s state-backed central bank digital currency that’s been in the works for years. The document called it a response to “new circumstances and new challenges.” There’s also an international layer to all this. The U.K. just became the first foreign country to host two yuan-clearing Chinese banks. On January 29, during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing, China’s central bank approved the Bank of China’s London branch as a new clearing hub. This boosts offshore yuan trading in Europe, with London now a major link in China’s global currency network. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

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Shiba Inu Price Prediction: SHIB Could Drop to $0.0000055 as Bearish Pattern Holds

  vor 9 Monaten

Shiba Inu remains under pressure amid renewed selling in the broader crypto market. Analysts highlight the token’s vulnerability, noting that sellers control short-term price movements. Technical charts indicate SHIB continues to trade within a bearish structure, reinforcing downside risks. Shiba Inu Bearish Structure Persists Analyst HolderStat examined the 30-minute SHIB/USDT chart, noting that Shiba Inu remains within a descending trendline structure. The pattern, marked by lower highs and lower lows, confirms ongoing selling pressure. SHIB recently fell to approximately $0.0000055 before bouncing from the local low. However, the rebound lost momentum, failing to break above the descending resistance near $0.0000065. HolderStat observed that price consolidation continues below the main descending trendline, while a weak rising support line forms beneath the price. This creates a tightening compression zone, reflecting weakening bullish strength. The analyst stated that the sloping trendline remains dynamic resistance, reinforced by multiple prior rejection points. “If this level holds, SHIB is likely to resume its downward move,” HolderStat said, adding that the price could revisit the $0.0000055 area. Immediate Levels and Market Context HolderStat’s report comes amid a broader market pullback, with SHIB losing momentum after trading near $0.0000062. The token slipped to around $0.0000060, reinforcing a short-term bearish trend. At the time of writing, SHIB is trading at $0.000006016, down 1.59% over 24 hours and has declined 12% over the past week. Over the past month, the token fell 30.24%, bringing year-to-date losses to 13.2%. The analyst identified immediate resistance at $0.0000065, with higher barriers at $0.00000705 and $0.00000847. Nearest support lies at $0.00000562, forming a critical zone for potential stabilization. HolderStat emphasized that a decisive breakout and close above resistance would invalidate the bearish bias, signaling a possible short-term trend shift. Until then, sellers maintain structural control, keeping downside pressure favored.

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Jump Trading Taps Venture-Style Deals to Back Prediction Market Leaders

  vor 9 Monaten

Jump Trading is set to acquire minority stakes in prediction‑market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket. The investments are structured around Jump’s provision of liquidity, with a fixed equity stake in Kalshi and a variable stake in Polymarket that grows with trading capacity. Strategic Market Making in Event Contracts Proprietary trading firm Jump Trading is set to

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Bank of England partners with Chainlink to test atomic settlements

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The Bank of England partnered with blockchain oracle Chainlink on Tuesday to test atomic settlements with tokenized assets. The BoE’s initiative, Project Meridian, aims to integrate traditional finance with decentralized systems. The Bank of England’s Synchronisation Lab allows operators to demonstrate how they would interact with the bank’s RT2 synchronization capability. The Lab also aims to demonstrate what services operators could offer to synchronization users, including RTGS account holders, asset ledger operators, and customers in asset markets. BoE’s Lab runs for 6 months from spring 2026 The @bankofengland ’s Synchronisation Lab is a platform for industry to demonstrate use cases & understand business models for synchronisation. Here’s how Chainlink is enabling the next generation of UK financial infra: https://t.co/PYS56yiGWE — Chainlink (@chainlink) February 10, 2026 The Lab will build on Meridian and provide synchronization operators with a venue to experiment with various use cases. Britain’s central bank introduced the Synchronisation Lab in October 2025 to demonstrate use cases and understand synchronization business models. The BoE announced that 18 organizations have already been selected to participate in the initiative. The entities will test a flurry of diverse synchronization use cases. The financial institution expects the Lab to run from spring 2026 for around six months. The period is meant to enable participating synchronization operators to test use cases and demonstrate how they would interact with RT2 and users. The BoE stated that its Synchronisation Lab aims to help the bank better evaluate its design options for the exchange of information between RT2 and operators. The bank’s Lab also seeks to demonstrate synchronization’s flexibility by allowing participants to showcase use cases and the benefits they could offer users. The UK’s central bank believes that synchronization may interest firms in the BoE’s Digital Securities Sandbox (DSS), which enables innovation in the issuance, trading, and settlement of securities in the country. The BoE revealed that the Lab provides a pathway for DSS firms to test the settlement of digital security transactions in sterling central bank money. The Lab will also not support real-money payments. The BoE set the application deadline on November 28, and successful applicants will receive more detailed specifications at a later date. The bank will give the applicants another two months to build or develop their prototypes, with the bank looking to iterate with them on their design and build before the Lab launches. Lab Participants are expected to use the bank’s capabilities to test their use cases. They will be invited to present their use cases and findings at an industry showcase once the Lab closes. The BoE said it will publish a report about the key learnings for the live functionality. The bank also plans to use the Lab’s findings to support ongoing design and other development work. The central bank’s Lab will enable its participants to simulate the basic interactions required for synchronization settlement. The bank also designed the Lab to function as a platform and expects Lab Participants to build the additional elements required to integrate with it. The Lab will simulate the RT2’s settlement engine, which is required to settle and manage a transaction. The Lab will mimic RT2’s user interface to provide participants with visibility into transactions they orchestrate. It will also emulate an Application Programming Interface (API) layer, allowing participants to oversee and control the entire lifecycle of settling a transaction. BoE’s Lab explores two different synchronization models The BoE’s Synchronization Lab will explore two models to help the bank, RTGS account holders, and operators evaluate different options. The first model will enable synchronization operators to send the earmarking instruction to RT2 and instruct the final settlement. The second proposed model will allow RTGS account holders to send the earmarking instruction directed by a synchronization operator. Operators are responsible for issuing the final settlement, while the Lab Participant will simulate the earmarking instruction. The BoE will also consider two more models based on the feedback from the initial experimentation. The bank expects the models to test additional controls that RTGS account holders could apply. Get seen where it counts. Advertise in Cryptopolitan Research and reach crypto’s sharpest investors and builders.

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Strategic Coinbase Listing Unveils RAVE, DEEP, and WAL Tokens for Spot Trading on February 11

  vor 9 Monaten

BitcoinWorld Strategic Coinbase Listing Unveils RAVE, DEEP, and WAL Tokens for Spot Trading on February 11 In a significant move for the digital asset market, Coinbase, the leading U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, has strategically announced the upcoming listing of three new tokens—RaveDAO (RAVE), DeepBook (DEEP), and Walrus (WAL)—for spot trading against the U.S. dollar, with trading set to commence on February 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. UTC, pending liquidity conditions. This expansion reflects the exchange’s ongoing commitment to broadening its asset portfolio and providing regulated access to emerging blockchain projects for its vast user base. Coinbase Listing Strategy and Market Context Coinbase consistently follows a rigorous asset review framework before listing any new digital currency. The exchange evaluates factors like security, compliance, project technology, and liquidity. Consequently, the inclusion of RAVE, DEEP, and WAL signals a vote of confidence in these projects’ fundamentals. This listing occurs within a broader industry trend of exchanges diversifying their offerings beyond major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. For instance, the move aligns with competitor strategies but emphasizes Coinbase’s focus on U.S. regulatory compliance and institutional-grade infrastructure. Historically, a Coinbase listing announcement often triggers notable price volatility and increased trading volume for the involved assets. Market analysts refer to this phenomenon as the “Coinbase effect.” However, the exchange’s announcement explicitly notes that trading will begin only “provided liquidity conditions are met,” a standard clause that underscores its operational prudence. This careful approach aims to ensure orderly market openings and protect investors from extreme volatility often associated with new listings. Deep Dive into the Newly Listed Assets Each token slated for the February 11 listing represents a distinct segment of the Web3 ecosystem. Understanding their unique value propositions provides crucial context for investors and industry observers. RaveDAO (RAVE): A Governance-Focused Protocol RaveDAO operates as a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) built on the Ethereum blockchain. Its primary function is to govern and fund public goods and infrastructure within the broader crypto ecosystem. The RAVE token serves as the protocol’s governance instrument, allowing holders to propose and vote on treasury allocations, protocol upgrades, and strategic partnerships. The project’s roadmap emphasizes sustainable funding models for open-source development, a critical need in the blockchain space. DeepBook (DEEP): Solana’s Native Order Book DeepBook represents a core infrastructure component for the Solana network. It functions as a central limit order book (CLOB) liquidity layer, providing the foundational trading mechanics for decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and other financial applications on Solana. The DEEP token is integral to the protocol’s incentive and governance structure. Its listing on a major centralized exchange like Coinbase could enhance liquidity and visibility for the entire Solana DeFi landscape, potentially attracting more developers and capital to the high-throughput network. Walrus (WAL): A Meme Token with a Community Angle Walrus (WAL) originates as a community-driven meme token, initially launched on a different blockchain before potentially migrating or bridging. Meme tokens have become a notable, albeit volatile, sub-sector of the crypto market, often driven by social media engagement and community culture. The listing of WAL suggests Coinbase is acknowledging the cultural footprint and trading demand for such assets, while likely applying its standard compliance checks. Investors should note the typically higher risk profile associated with tokens in this category compared to utility or governance-focused assets. Token Primary Network Core Function Category RaveDAO (RAVE) Ethereum DAO Governance & Funding Governance DeepBook (DEEP) Solana Central Limit Order Book Infrastructure Walrus (WAL) Varies Community & Meme Meme/Culture Potential Impacts and Expert-Style Analysis The simultaneous listing of three diverse assets indicates a strategic balancing act by Coinbase. The exchange is catering to different investor appetites: institutional and governance-focused interest with RAVE, infrastructure and DeFi builders with DEEP, and retail community trends with WAL. This multi-pronged approach can drive trading volume across user segments. Furthermore, providing USD trading pairs for these assets simplifies access for U.S. investors, who can avoid the complexity of first converting to a stablecoin or another major cryptocurrency. From a regulatory perspective, listing announcements from a U.S.-regulated entity like Coinbase carry weight. They imply a level of due diligence regarding securities law considerations. Observers will watch for any subsequent commentary from regulators regarding these specific assets. The timing of the listing, early in 2025, may also signal an active year for exchange expansions, possibly in anticipation of evolving regulatory clarity for digital assets in the United States. Key considerations for the market include: Liquidity Provision: The “liquidity conditions” caveat is standard but critical for a stable market open. Volatility Management: New listings, especially for smaller-cap assets, can experience sharp price movements. Network Effects: Success for DEEP could positively impact the Solana ecosystem, while RAVE’s performance may reflect sentiment toward DAO governance models. Conclusion The upcoming Coinbase listing of RAVE, DEEP, and WAL tokens on February 11 represents a calculated expansion of the exchange’s trading ecosystem. By incorporating a governance token, a core infrastructure asset, and a community meme token, Coinbase addresses multiple facets of the contemporary digital asset landscape. This strategic Coinbase listing provides investors with new, regulated avenues for exposure while underscoring the maturing yet diverse nature of the cryptocurrency market. The event will be closely monitored for its effects on token liquidity, price discovery, and broader sector sentiment as trading commences. FAQs Q1: What time exactly will trading start for RAVE, DEEP, and WAL on Coinbase? A1: According to the announcement, trading is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. However, this is contingent on meeting Coinbase’s liquidity requirements. Q2: Will these tokens be available on all Coinbase platforms? A2: Typically, new spot trading listings like this are available on Coinbase.com, Coinbase Pro (Advanced Trade), and the Coinbase mobile apps. Users should check their specific platform for availability at the launch time. Q3: What does “provided liquidity conditions are met” mean? A3: This standard clause means Coinbase will only enable trading if there is sufficient market maker support and order book depth to ensure a fair and orderly market at launch. If conditions are not met, the exchange may delay the start of trading. Q4: Are RAVE, DEEP, and WAL available for staking or earning rewards on Coinbase? A4: The initial announcement is for spot trading only. Support for staking, earning rewards, or other services for these assets would be subject to separate future announcements by Coinbase. Q5: How does this listing affect the existing markets for these tokens? A5: Listing on a major, liquid exchange like Coinbase typically increases overall visibility, accessibility, and trading volume for an asset. It may also lead to price discovery as a new, large pool of investors gains easy access to the token. This post Strategic Coinbase Listing Unveils RAVE, DEEP, and WAL Tokens for Spot Trading on February 11 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

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UK ramps up crypto ad crackdown with legal action against HTX

  vor 9 Monaten

British regulators have taken steps to restrict crypto exchange HTX’s reach in the UK by requesting major tech platforms to block public access to its services following an ongoing legal dispute over alleged illegal promotions. In a statement issued Tuesday , the Financial Conduct Authority said it had formally asked Google and Apple to delist HTX apps from their respective UK storefronts. The regulator also called on social media companies to block HTX’s accounts from being accessible to UK-based users, citing the firm’s continued violation of domestic financial advertising laws. The move expands on a lawsuit the FCA filed in October 2025 against HTX and several unidentified individuals, alleging the Panama-registered exchange promoted crypto asset services to British consumers without proper authorisation. Despite previous warnings, the FCA says HTX continued distributing financial promotions in breach of the UK’s Financial Promotions Regime introduced in 2023 to strengthen consumer protection in the digital asset space. HTX, formerly known as Huobi Global, has been flagged on the FCA’s Warning List, which highlights firms that operate without appropriate oversight. The regulator said the exchange had implemented limited restrictions to prevent new UK user registrations, but existing customers could still log in and access promotional content deemed unlawful under the UK regime. The FCA expressed concern over HTX’s lack of transparency, stating that the firm operates through “an opaque organisational structure” and has not disclosed the identities of its owners or website operators. It also noted that repeated efforts to initiate dialogue with HTX had been ignored. Although Chinese entrepreneur Justin Sun has publicly been associated with HTX in the role of global adviser, he is not named in the FCA’s lawsuit. The company itself has yet to comment on the action. “This marks the first time we’ve pursued this level of enforcement against a crypto firm over illegal marketing to UK consumers,” said Steve Smart, the FCA’s joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight. UK targets crypto ads UK authorities have intensified scrutiny of crypto advertising in recent months, primarily through the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). In recent months, the ASA has banned several high-profile crypto campaigns, including a Coinbase advertisement that referenced the cost-of-living crisis and was ruled to have trivialised the risks of crypto investing. Beyond Coinbase, the regulator has targeted exchanges such as Luno, Crypto.com, Kraken, and eToro over ads that oversimplified crypto investing as a means to build wealth without properly disclosing the risks involved. The post UK ramps up crypto ad crackdown with legal action against HTX appeared first on Invezz

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Japan’s Crypto Tax Reform Accelerates After Landslide Election Victory, Promising Major Relief for Investors

  vor 9 Monaten

BitcoinWorld Japan’s Crypto Tax Reform Accelerates After Landslide Election Victory, Promising Major Relief for Investors TOKYO, JAPAN – February 2025. Japan’s cryptocurrency landscape stands on the brink of a significant transformation following a decisive political shift. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) overwhelming victory in the House of Representatives election has injected powerful momentum into long-awaited digital asset tax reforms. Consequently, the proposed reduction of Japan’s crypto capital gains tax from a steep 55% to a flat 20% rate is now expected to proceed without major legislative hurdles, potentially reshaping the nation’s position in the global Web3 economy. Japan’s Crypto Tax Reform Gains Unstoppable Momentum The February 8th election delivered a commanding two-thirds majority to the LDP in Japan’s lower house. This decisive result provides the party with a strong mandate to advance its policy agenda. Industry analysts and financial experts immediately identified the crypto tax proposal as a primary beneficiary of this political stability. The LDP’s internal Web3 project team, a dedicated policy task force, now possesses the clear political runway to champion these regulatory changes. Furthermore, the election outcome minimizes potential opposition delays, setting a clear course for implementation. Currently, Japan taxes cryptocurrency trading profits as “miscellaneous income.” This classification subjects earnings to a progressive rate that can soar as high as 55%. This includes a national income tax of up to 45% and a local inhabitants tax of 10%. For comparison, many other major economies treat crypto similarly to stocks. The proposed reform would establish a separate, uniform 20% tax on crypto capital gains, aligning more closely with international standards. This shift aims to retain talent and capital within Japan’s digital economy. The Political Engine Behind Regulatory Change Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi maintains a publicly neutral stance on digital assets, focusing on balanced economic growth. However, the driving force for change originates from the LDP’s proactive Web3 policy task force. This group comprises lawmakers, technologists, and financial experts advocating for a modernized regulatory framework. Their goals extend beyond tax cuts to include streamlining exchange regulations and fostering blockchain innovation. The task force argues that current high tax rates discourage reporting, push trading offshore, and stifle domestic technological advancement. Political commentators note that the landslide victory empowers these reform-minded factions within the party. With a secure majority, the LDP can prioritize complex financial legislation like the crypto tax overhaul. The government’s timeline targets 2028 for the new flat tax rate to take effect. This multi-year window allows for detailed rule-making, system updates for the National Tax Agency, and public education campaigns. The reform is part of a broader national strategy to make Japan a more attractive hub for digital innovation and investment. Expert Analysis on Economic Impact Financial experts highlight several potential impacts of the proposed tax change. First, a lower tax rate could significantly improve compliance, bringing more trading activity into the regulated, taxable light. Second, it may reverse the trend of Japanese crypto entrepreneurs and investors moving operations to jurisdictions with friendlier tax policies. Third, it could stimulate growth in Japan’s domestic exchange and blockchain service sector. Analysts from major financial publications, including DL News, cite local industry leaders who predict increased venture capital flow into Japanese Web3 startups if the reform passes. The reform also interacts with other financial regulations. For instance, Japan has strict rules for cryptocurrency exchanges, requiring registration with the Financial Services Agency (FSA). A more favorable tax environment could be coupled with measured deregulation to enhance competitiveness. However, experts caution that consumer protection and anti-money laundering standards will remain stringent. The overarching goal is to balance innovation with stability, ensuring Japan’s financial system evolves securely alongside technological progress. Comparative Global Context for Crypto Taxation Japan’s current tax regime places it among the stricter jurisdictions for crypto investors. The proposed shift to 20% would position it more competitively. Below is a brief comparison of capital gains tax treatment for crypto assets in key economies: Japan (Current): Up to 55% as miscellaneous income. Japan (Proposed): Flat 20% capital gains tax (target 2028). United States: Treated as property, subject to capital gains rates (0%, 15%, or 20% based on income). Germany: Tax-free after a one-year holding period. Singapore: No capital gains tax for long-term investors. United Kingdom: Subject to Capital Gains Tax (10%-20% depending on income bracket). This global landscape creates pressure for nations to develop sensible crypto tax policies. Japan’s reform effort reflects a strategic move to avoid losing its technological edge. The LDP’s policy group has studied these international models extensively. Their proposal seeks a middle path: generating tax revenue from crypto activities while not driving the industry away. The 2028 implementation date allows other nations’ policies to mature, giving Japan time to adopt best practices. Conclusion Japan’s crypto tax reform, propelled by the LDP’s decisive election victory, marks a pivotal moment for the country’s digital asset future. The move from a top rate of 55% to a proposed flat 20% capital gains tax by 2028 promises to enhance competitiveness, improve tax compliance, and stimulate Web3 innovation. Driven by the party’s dedicated Web3 task force, this regulatory evolution positions Japan to more effectively harness blockchain technology’s economic potential. As the legislative process moves forward, the global crypto community will watch closely, seeing Japan’s journey as a significant case study in balancing regulation with innovation in the digital age. FAQs Q1: What is the current cryptocurrency tax rate in Japan? Currently, profits from cryptocurrency trading in Japan are classified as “miscellaneous income” and can be taxed at a maximum rate of 55%, which includes national and local taxes. Q2: What change is being proposed? The proposed reform, championed by the LDP’s Web3 task force, would introduce a separate, flat 20% capital gains tax specifically for cryptocurrency profits, aiming for implementation in 2028. Q3: Why did the recent election accelerate this reform? The Liberal Democratic Party’s landslide victory on February 8th secured a two-thirds majority, providing the political stability and mandate needed to advance complex financial legislation like the crypto tax overhaul without significant opposition delays. Q4: Who is leading the push for crypto tax reform in Japan? While Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is neutral, the driving force is the LDP’s internal Web3 policy project team, a task force dedicated to modernizing Japan’s digital asset and blockchain regulations. Q5: How does Japan’s proposed tax rate compare globally? A flat 20% rate would make Japan more competitive. It is higher than crypto-friendly hubs like Singapore (0%) but lower than its current 55% and similar to capital gains rates in the UK and for some brackets in the US. This post Japan’s Crypto Tax Reform Accelerates After Landslide Election Victory, Promising Major Relief for Investors first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

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Coinbase’s Base app drops creator rewards to focus on trading

  vor 9 Monaten

Coinbase’s Base app has dropped its creator rewards program as well as its Farcaster-powered social feed. An official announcement from the Base App indicates that Coinbase is shifting from a more social Base ecosystem to a trading-first experience that prioritizes tradable assets. Coinbase’s Base app has announced a major strategic shift from its social-centric ecosystem to a more trading-oriented platform that focuses entirely on tradable assets. Base App said it was getting rid of the farcaster-powered “Talk” feed to incorporate a feed tailored for onchain activity. Base App halts creator rewards after distributing $450k to 17k creators We're making the Base app the best place to trade onchain. Starting today, the feed will focus entirely on tradable assets. This means we're removing the Talk feed in favor of a feed of onchain activity. As part of this shift, we're also sunsetting Creator Rewards. In the last… — Base App (@baseapp) February 9, 2026 As part of the restructuring process, Base App also announced it will be culminating the platform’s creator rewards program. The platform noted that the creator rewards program has distributed over $450,000 to more than 17,000 creators in the last six months. The rewards program will end on February 15, and final payouts will be distributed on February 18. The figures show that each creator has received an average of $26 over the preceding six months. “We’re grateful for all the creators who helped us build so far, and will be sharing new ways we’ll reward the Base App community soon,” Base App wrote on X. “We’re just getting started building the best trading experience onchain.” The decision, confirmed by Base’s founder Jesse Pollak, who emphasized that the platform needed to operate under one primary function, which he concluded was trading. Pollak announced on X that he was one of the leading advocates for the farcaster integration in the Base App. He explained that after the application’s rollout, the founders realized that they needed to “do less, better.” Pollack confirmed that Base App will continue to support Farcaster and its builders despite its termination on the Base App. Base App founder’s previous comments hint at ongoing developments The Base App founder made a similar announcement in mid-January that has seemingly laid the foundation for the app’s recent transformative shift. According to Pollak’s January announcement, the Base App was going to make trading its main operation to drive demand and distribution for assets across the onchain economy. “In general, there is a desire to engage with and trade high-quality assets. This is the most important opportunity as we bring capital markets onchain,” Jesse Pollak said. In a detailed thread, Pollak said that the application was too social, hence too close to Web2, and did not support enough assets that users wanted to trade. He explained that the app’s usage suggested the growing demand for what he termed “high-quality assets.” Pollak also suggested that the feed needed to show what was happening onchain. He also added that the team believed it made more sense to layer social features on top of finance than vice versa. Pollak said that the app developers would build a finance-first UX and overhaul the social ecosystem with new features such as copy trading, leaderboards, and feed trading. Cryptopolitan reported that the proposed changes raised questions on the suitability of mini apps, which had been sold as consumer experience tools and onboarding creators, to the new focus. Pollak emphasized that this will remain a priority in the application and added that the Base App team is working to improve discoverability and refine tooling to measure their performance. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong also echoed Pollak’s announcement, saying the app was taking a new trajectory focused on retail investors and traders as its initial users. Armstrong also said that the app will expand its feed to incorporate a broader range of assets to support everyone building on Base. Coinbase launched the Base App in July last year and pitched it as a central piece of Coinbase’s “Everything App” strategy. The application was purposefully designed to integrate onchain social networking, messaging, and payments with onchain activities such as trading and investing. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

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Dow Jones Industrial Average Rally Stalls as Crucial Retail Sales Data Disappoints

  vor 9 Monaten

BitcoinWorld Dow Jones Industrial Average Rally Stalls as Crucial Retail Sales Data Disappoints NEW YORK, March 15, 2025 – An early morning surge in the Dow Jones Industrial Average abruptly reversed course Friday following the release of unexpectedly weak U.S. Retail Sales data, underscoring the market’s acute sensitivity to consumer health indicators. The blue-chip index, which had climbed over 200 points in pre-market trading, surrendered all gains and turned negative within an hour of the 8:30 AM ET economic report, highlighting how fundamental economic data continues to drive short-term market volatility. Dow Jones Industrial Average Reacts to Key Economic Data The Commerce Department reported that advance estimates of U.S. Retail and Food Services Sales for February 2025 increased by a mere 0.1%, significantly missing the consensus economist forecast of a 0.5% gain. This marked the third consecutive month of underwhelming growth in the critical consumption metric. Consequently, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a basket of 30 significant publicly traded companies, mirrored this disappointment by erasing its early rally. Market analysts immediately cited the data as evidence of a cooling consumer, whose spending accounts for approximately two-thirds of U.S. economic activity. Furthermore, the control group sales figure—which excludes volatile categories like autos, gasoline, building materials, and food services—actually declined by 0.1%. This component feeds directly into the calculation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The immediate market reaction demonstrates how traders and algorithms parse high-frequency data for clues about broader economic momentum. Several sector-specific movements within the index told a clear story. Consumer Discretionary Stocks: Companies like Nike and Home Depot led the decline. Financials: Banks, including JPMorgan Chase, weakened on concerns about future loan demand. Technology Resilience: Conversely, some tech components showed relative strength, suggesting a rotation into growth sectors perceived as less tied to immediate consumer spending. Anatomy of the Failed Rally and Market Mechanics The session began with notable optimism, driven by overnight strength in Asian markets and stabilizing bond yields. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average pointed to a solidly higher open. However, the Retail Sales report acted as a definitive catalyst for reversal. This pattern exemplifies a common market dynamic where pre-market optimism, often based on technical factors or international flows, collides with domestic fundamental reality. The speed of the reversal also highlighted the role of automated trading systems, which execute sell orders based on predefined economic data thresholds. Market depth and order flow data from the New York Stock Exchange showed a massive influx of sell-side volume immediately following the data release. This volume overwhelmed the earlier buy orders that had fueled the rally. The table below illustrates the intraday swing for key Dow components: Dow Component Pre-Market High Post-Data Low (10:00 AM ET) Net Change Walmart Inc. +1.8% -0.5% -2.3% swing The Home Depot, Inc. +1.5% -1.2% -2.7% swing McDonald’s Corporation +0.9% -0.8% -1.7% swing This price action created a distinct “bull trap” on short-term charts, catching momentum traders off guard. The volatility index (VIX), often called the market’s “fear gauge,” spiked 15% in response, indicating a sharp rise in expected near-term volatility. Expert Analysis on Consumer Sentiment and Spending Economists point to a confluence of factors pressuring the consumer. “Today’s Retail Sales miss is not an isolated data point,” noted Dr. Anya Sharma, Chief Economist at the Global Markets Institute. “It aligns with recent trends in credit card delinquency rates, which have been ticking higher, and a gradual depletion of excess savings accumulated during the pandemic period. The consumer is becoming more selective and price-sensitive.” Additionally, revised data from January showed a steeper decline than initially reported, painting a weaker trajectory for the first quarter. This context is crucial for Federal Reserve policymakers, who monitor consumer strength closely when considering interest rate decisions. A softening consumer could argue for a more accommodative policy stance later in 2025, which paradoxically provided some support to bond markets even as equities sold off. Historical Context and Comparative Market Performance The Dow Jones Industrial Average has historically demonstrated a strong correlation with consumer spending data, though the magnitude of reaction varies. For instance, similar misses in Retail Sales during the 2015-2016 manufacturing slowdown and the 2019 trade war uncertainty also triggered sharp intraday reversals. However, the market’s structure has evolved, with faster electronic trading potentially amplifying these moves. Compared to its peers, the Dow’s reaction was more pronounced than that of the broader S&P 500 index, which has a heavier weighting toward technology. The Nasdaq Composite, with its significant exposure to mega-cap tech firms less dependent on immediate U.S. consumer cyclical spending, managed to hold onto modest gains. This performance divergence highlights how different market segments interpret the same economic signal. Investors appear to be differentiating between companies with global, diversified revenue streams and those more exposed to the domestic U.S. consumer wallet. Internationally, European markets trimmed their gains but remained positive, while Asian markets had already closed before the U.S. data release. The U.S. dollar index (DXY) weakened slightly on the data, as traders priced in a marginally lower probability of near-term Federal Reserve rate hikes—a typical reaction to soft economic indicators. Broader Economic Implications and Forward Outlook The Retail Sales report carries significant weight beyond a single trading session. Weakness in this area can presage slower GDP growth for the first quarter of 2025. Several economic research firms subsequently downgraded their Q1 GDP tracking estimates by 0.2 to 0.4 percentage points. This data point will be a key input for the Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting, where officials will debate the balance between inflation control and supporting economic growth. Key forward-looking indicators will now come into sharper focus. Analysts will scrutinize upcoming reports on consumer confidence, wage growth, and inventory levels. The health of the labor market remains the primary support for consumer spending; therefore, any sign of weakening in monthly job creation would compound the concerns raised by today’s data. For investors, the episode serves as a reminder of the market’s data-dependent nature in 2025, where algorithmic reactions to economic releases can create significant intraday volatility. Conclusion The sudden reversal of the Dow Jones Industrial Average following the disappointing Retail Sales report provides a clear case study in how fundamental economic data drives modern financial markets. The failed rally underscores the ongoing fragility of consumer sentiment and its direct impact on equity prices, particularly for indices weighted toward traditional consumer-facing industries. As markets navigate an environment of shifting monetary policy and economic crosscurrents, high-impact data releases like Retail Sales will continue to serve as critical inflection points, testing the resilience of any market advance and reminding investors of the deep connection between Main Street economic activity and Wall Street performance. FAQs Q1: What exactly is the Dow Jones Industrial Average? The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is a stock market index that tracks 30 large, publicly-owned blue-chip companies trading on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. It is one of the oldest and most frequently cited market benchmarks in the world. Q2: Why is Retail Sales data so important to the stock market? Retail Sales measure the total receipts at stores that sell durable and nondurable goods. Since consumer spending drives roughly 70% of the U.S. economy, strong sales suggest a healthy economy and corporate profits, while weak sales can signal economic slowdown, directly affecting company revenues and stock valuations. Q3: Did all stocks in the Dow fall after the data was released? No, not uniformly. While consumer-centric stocks like retailers and banks fell sharply, some sectors, notably certain technology and healthcare companies, showed resilience or even gains. This reflects a market rotation where investors shift capital away from sectors most exposed to the weak data point. Q4: How does this data affect the Federal Reserve’s decisions? The Federal Reserve aims to balance maximum employment with stable prices. Weak Retail Sales data can signal a cooling economy, potentially reducing inflationary pressures. This may lead the Fed to consider delaying interest rate hikes or even cutting rates sooner than anticipated to stimulate economic activity. Q5: Is a single month’s weak Retail Sales data a cause for long-term concern? While a single data point should not dictate a long-term investment strategy, the February 2025 report is notable because it continues a trend of softening growth over the prior two months. Economists look for trends rather than isolated numbers. Three consecutive weak reports would warrant a more significant reassessment of the economic outlook. This post Dow Jones Industrial Average Rally Stalls as Crucial Retail Sales Data Disappoints first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

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South Korea Investigates Major Cryptocurrency Error at Bithumb

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Bithumb accidentally distributed $41 billion worth of Bitcoin due to a system error. The Financial Supervisory Service has launched an investigation into the mistake. Continue Reading: South Korea Investigates Major Cryptocurrency Error at Bithumb The post South Korea Investigates Major Cryptocurrency Error at Bithumb appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

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